INTERNATIONAL LOVE - Sacul AstoriaThe month of October brought with it another festival to the shores of Arda. A celebration of diversity and multiculturalism, people from all over the world showcased their nation. Who knew that Arda's population consisted of people hailing from Belgium, Denmark, the Philippines, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America? It is this mix of nationalities that makes NationStates such a special place, as people from all corners of the globe come together to build something special. That's what was being celebrated in this festival, and what a festival it was! Organised not by a single person or small group, every citizen contributed by posting a stall of their own. Spam point battles were popular, as were cafes and restaurants selling national specialities. Danish pomfritter, Swedish surströmming, Serbian gibanica, Belgian frites... it was all there. Mix in some RP by visiting Loch Ness or finding yourself in a terror attack on the White House, and all the ingredients are there for a good time! There was also ample opportunity to find out more about people's countries through videos, images and written text. It was a chance to combine fun and education, to see some of the rich cultural diversity all over the globe.

ENHANCING CULTURAL COOPERATION - Akillian TalleyrandIn an effort to enhance our foreign relations and cultural cooperation, Arda en' Estel is a founding member of The League of Regions, a regional alliance focused on joint cooperation in cultural engagements as well as furthering diplomatic interests. Along with Arda as founding members, are The Allied States and The United Kingdom. The alliance brings together three like minded regions to hold regular activities and work on areas of mutual interest. Regional leaders have established a founding Charter, setting out the governing rules of the League Council as well as other operational procedures. The first League Summit was held in The Allied States and the second Summit is due to begin in The United Kingdom at the end of this month. All citizens of the member regions are invited to attend the United Kingdom's Halloween festival, as part of the Summit, and regional leaders will begin discussions on military and intelligence resolutions, among other issues.

ANOTHER TREATY ON THE BOOKS - Akillian TalleyrandAdded to the list of treaties already agreed by Arda is the Treaty of Erihaven, signed with Kantrias. Following negotiations between the then Foreign Consul Theio Altherio, the treaty was only ratified last month when both regions legislatures had debated and voted on it. The treaty was positively received by citizens of both sides and provides many opportunities for engagement that will be of mutual interest to each region. The treaty outlines cooperation in defence and intelligence matters, as well as providing opportunities for engagement in military operations and cultural activities.

The Treaty passed the Senate of Arda en' Estel with all members in favour and begins a new chapter in Arda-Kantrias relations. Both Governments are getting to work in organising areas of cooperation in the coming months.

Winner of the 13th Avatar Contest, Lil La Luna. Lil won 31.8% of the vote in the crime themed contest.

NEWSFLASHES

- Constitutional review to go on for as long as it took to write the Constitution in the first place?- Narcissus Astoria and Siegfried Tyrus announce wedding, to take place on the 28th of October- Rogue rainbow causes havoc in Astoria Laboratories- The After Party brings regional political parties together with a Dinner and Ball for all citizens.

This is the first foreign update to the EU from The Order of the Grey Wardens!

Recently Unveiled Guardian Program Takes Off!

The Grey Wardens have added a new dimension to their forces to eradicate darkspawn and stop the advancement of the blight. The new soldiers are known as Guardians and they are made up of regional residents. The new program is the collective brainchild of Warden Command that has been in the planning stages for the last couple months. The Commanders wanted to find a way to reduce barriers to participating in defending and offer more frequent missions for those who cannot attend updates regularly like those who can complete their Warden joining.

The Guardians have been involved in a handful of missions during their first week and have had a handful of different participants with no signs of slowing down. These missions have been defenses and supports, and in the future will also include detags. Currently, First Warden Roavin has taken it upon himself to run the Guardians for now, but it is the hope and vision of Command that eventually Guardians will be able to spot and lead missions themselves and administrate themselves as they gain experience.

Condemn The Grey Wardens?!?!?

Recently the anti-raider and anti-fascist work of the Grey Wardens came under scrutiny in the World Assembly Security Council. The proposal was poorly written and lacking in facts and context, which is not surprising considering it was written at the behest of a fascist and Nazi friendly darkspawn region with an axe to grind. They have suffered numerous losses at the hands of the Warden Order and its allies in both offensive and defensive operations.

While this proposal never had a chance of passing in the Security Council it was a bit perplexing it even made it to vote where it has been unceremoniously stomped into oblivion like it deserved to be. The Wardens view this proposal as recognition of their strong efforts in combatting and flustering darkspawn, especially fascist raiders with Nazi allies, across NationStates.

The proposal also provided an opportunity for natives the Wardens dedicate themselves to protecting to give feedback and reaffirm why the Wardens do what they do. One particularly notable address came from St. Abbaddon’s delegate, Kitsco:

Greetings To the members of the security council.

I am kitsco the ruling WA Delegate of a historically founded Region created in the founderless years of NationStates. This Region is called St. Abbaddon. Recently my region has fallen on hard time, the past several years have been the hardest... Raid after raid.... Many Defenders have gone out of their way to aide us.... But no group has matched the efficiency of The Grey Wardens... Their commanders swiftly moved in and helped secure the region, and continues to provide security so that Abbaddon may once again flourish.

If anything this security council should be commending them... Not condemning. I believe these accusations to be fake news indeed, propaganda to weaken the Warden's but they will stand fast against this.

-Lord Of Kitsco.

Promotions, Promotions, Promotions!

Occasionally there comes a Warden who shows intense dedication to the cause and goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is only fitting that such a person receives recognition of his achievements on the battlefield and as a leader. We are pleased to announce the newest Warden Commander, Lenlyvit! He has worked his way up the Warden ranks proving his worth on the battlefield (over 100 operations in a half year) and demonstrating his penchant for leadership as a Warden Constable and Head of Native Affairs. The Order is proud of Lenlyvit’s accomplishments and cannot think of a more deserving Warden to ascend to Command and be a part of shaping the Order’s direction.

But wait, there is more! We have also promoted two Wardens to the rank of Warden Lieutenant where they will receive training and opportunity to lead missions as they are groomed to become future leaders in the Wardens. The new Warden Lieutenants are Pyrosky and House of Cards. Pyrosky has earned the merit based rank of Senior Warden and is also currently serving as the leader of DUTY. House of Cards is a raider convert who has embraced defending and has become one of the fastest defenders in NationStates. We are excited to see what these two do with this new opportunity.

Featured Warden: Birdkeeper!

Instead of doing a formal interview, this time we opted to just hold the interview for our featured Warden in the public channel of our Discord server. The choice of Warden to feature was easy - Birdkeeper happened to be around at the time, so he was it. Birdkeeper joined the Order in September 2016, becoming a reliable Warden-Lieutenant and a great asset to our community. What you see here has been heavily edited to retain a semblance of sanity and continuity; the actual interview was much more chaotic, hilarious, and a reflection of the community we've built on our Discord server. High Constable Deadeye Jack commented on that interview simply with "This is so Wardens".

Transcript:

Benevolent Thomas: Chubbz, you are the featured warden, congratulations

Birdkeeper: Oh my

Birdkeeper: Because I am running XP? lol

Benevolent Thomas: Because you are online

Roavin: And responding

Benevolent Thomas: For the sake of the uninitiated, what is the origin of the name Birdkeeper?

Birdkeeper: Birdkeeper came around as an alternative name to Butterchubbz, as I wanted something different

Benevolent Thomas: I thought it had something to do with Pokemon. I guess you learn something new every day.

Birdkeeper: Naw dude

Benevolent Thomas: How did you come to find out about the Wardens?

Birdkeeper: That was through Roavin

Benevolent Thomas: The First Warden brought you in?

Birdkeeper: Originally I was part of SPSF, and through Roavin I discovered the Wardens

Deadeye Jack: Did Roavin make you defend after he started defending with SPSF?

Birdkeeper: He didn't make me, no

Birdkeeper: He gave me reasons and a break down to R/D

Deadeye Jack: And you actually joined the Wardens before Roavin did correct? What led to that decision?

Birdkeeper: I was spending more time on TGW discord than SPSF, plus I was a fan of the Dragon Age games, it seemed like a good fit.

Birdkeeper: SPSF also did some raiding, and after discovering that there are instances where SPSF military were on both sides of a conflict, I chose to resign and join the Wardens as a Defender only Org.

Benevolent Thomas: What is your favorite thing about being a Warden?

Birdkeeper: My favorite thing about being a Warden is just being a part of it. The people are great, the times here amazing during and after update, even while there is down time between.

Benevolent Thomas: What is your class?

Birdkeeper: As in my Rank, or?

Benevolent Thomas: Mage/Rogue/Warrior

Benevolent Thomas: Specializations work too, if you have one.

Birdkeeper: Hah that's easy

Birdkeeper: I am a Cleric

Benevolent Thomas: If you could raid any region, what would it be?

Birdkeeper: I would raid Kaiserreich, for the hilarity of it.

Benevolent Thomas: I like that answer.

Deadeye Jack: What is your proudest moment in NS to date, Birdkeeper?

Birdkeeper: My proudest moment in NS to date, if this counts, is that one post update where I became known for my stupid laugh. I still remember the image and comment.

Nakari: Do you have any regrets?

Birdkeeper: Do I have any regrets? Not really, I am enjoying my time here, just kind of wish I was more motivated to partake in Update when the time rolls around.

Benevolent Thomas: Nakari, Imki, Roavin. Coup, Marry, Kill - GO!

Benevolent Thomas: Very easy question.

Birdkeeper: Oh yeah, totally easy question

Birdkeeper: Coup Roavin

Benevolent Thomas: Coup is the NS equivalent to sex.

Deadeye Jack: Wincest

Benevolent Thomas: We've got Wincest

Birdkeeper: Best kind

Vincent Drake: Vincest

Benevolent Thomas: anyways, we need Bird's Marry and Kill

Deadeye Jack: tough choice since both people will see if you want to kill them.

Nakari: and will judge!

Birdkeeper: Marry Imki, and lead the sorrowful funeral of Nakari.

Nakari: ;_;

Birdkeeper: Sorry Nakari, I know Imki longer, I can deal with her crazy.

Imki: <3

Benevolent Thomas: Nakari is ded

Birdkeeper: Nakari <3

Deadeye Jack: Honestly Nakari is a national warden treasure not sure we can make you featured anymore :P

Benevolent Thomas: @Tim do you have any stupid questions?

Benevolent Thomas: calling in the master

Tim: Coup TNP: Y/N

Benevolent Thomas: too stupid. my bad, everyone

Deadeye Jack: So what do you see in your future as a Warden and what would you like to see the Wardens do in the coming months?

Birdkeeper: I see myself leading Libs, and would like to see more Wardens participate in Update, myself included.

Canton Empire: I have a question?

Canton Empire: Can I ask one?

Benevolent Thomas: you're not a spicyboi

Benevolent Thomas: but I'll allow it

Benevolent Thomas: make it good

Benevolent Thomas: this might be the finale

Canton Empire: Out of all the big GCRs (Feeders/Sinkers), which would you serve as Delegate in and why?

Benevolent Thomas: BOO

Benevolent Thomas: thats a question you ask a normal person

Roavin: That is such a boring generic NS question

Benevolent Thomas: This discord is not for normal people

Canton Empire: How good are you at handling the warden's level of shitposting?

Benevolent Thomas: we're all the best at it

Canton Empire: Do you even have enough salt to be a Warden?

Canton Empire: How much salt does it take to be a warden?

Birdkeeper: Lots of salt

Birdkeeper: and I am one salty bitch

Roavin: Not salt. Spice.

Roavin: There's a difference.

Birdkeeper: Its subtle

Roavin: Hawks are salty, we are spicy :P

Canton Empire: What kind of spice?

Deadeye Jack: Cinnamon

Benevolent Thomas: I'm a peppery spice

Deadeye Jack: I'm a sporty spice myself

Nakari: I'm ginger.

Birdkeeper: I am Cilantro

Benevolent Thomas: I think this wraps up a rather stunning interview

Benevolent Thomas: Next unplanned period of time, we will ask Nakari: Sugar, Spice, or everything nice?

[b]TITO News[/b]- Klopstock has been promoted to TITO Knight Marshall Commander- Lower Columbia has been promoted to TITO Knight Battalion Commander- Kanta Hame has been promoted to TITO Knight Master Commander- Witchcraft and Sorcery stepped down from his position as Tactical Officer. TITO Command thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

[b]Around the Islands[/b]- Tuga Nation's Dragon was was awarded the [URL=http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/33742/roo... Of the Quarter award[/url].- This month's featured nation was [URL=http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/33768/fea... Gentum[/URL].- Ater Nox has been appointed [URL=http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/33790/ate... Dean of XKI University[/URL]- WereWolves 52, hosted by Palman, was won by the villagers.- In the Casino, Ater Nox and Alkasia, are on a weak long losing streak. Who knows when their gambling addiction will either pay off or send them to a rehab.- The new mayor, Ater Nox, remains adamant in prohibiting [URL=http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/33754/taco-island-swan-ban]swans[/URL] and [URL=http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/33643/taco-island-prohibition]alcohol[/URL] although some of the Islanders are rebelling.- Taco Island is also seeing the return of the Changeling Horde. The Queen has been quick to assert her dominance and time will tell what this may mean for the rest of the Island.

[b]BREAKING NEWS![/b]

A brand new kool thread has appeared in Taco Island, it is for Kool Kids only! If you are a Kool Kid then hop, strut, bounce etc over!

On February 23, 2017, the region of Conch Kingdom turned 1 year old! Over that past year, CK has been through a lot before getting to its 1st birthday. The government has had its up and down, but with new and developing reforms we hope to make our government a better servant the people it represents. The Conch Kingdom Naval Reserves (CKNR) have had made a strong present, working on many operations with many different regions. The CKNR has been absorbed into the newly formed Joint Task Force (JTF) of the Austin Alliance, but will still serve the region as its predecessor. Lessons have been learned over this past year and Conch Kingdom and our regions kinship will be stronger for it.

The Allied States is an old region (est. 2010) that’s new to NS politics, and we hope to prove how woefully inept we really are in all facets of NS. This will be our masterwork, put on for the whole world to see. We would be grateful for the opportunity to truly let you see how we prove that not only is evolution real, but that in our region it goes in reverse.

2. What activities/ideas would you like to bring to the WF?

In addition to hosting lectures on pressing NS issues, we will host post assassin and Town of Salem games. There will also be a chess tournament, NS lectures, and a regional “literature” exchange for the nerds. TAS is a region that is 40% gay, 15% spastic, and 45% accidental, cultivating into a region with a culture all its own.

3. What should this year’s theme for the World Fair be? How would you implement that theme?

Our theme would be Space: The Final Frontier! We think it would be a theme many people could get behind and enjoy, and our Vice Chancellor threatened to rage-quit if we didn’t decide to do this one. We hope you will enjoy our activity and RP scenario ideas:Sci-fi television, film and literature trivia contestsOur Space Themed Wacky Wednesday, our One-Shot RP seriesA space related TED-talk recommendations list and discussion threadSexcapades. In Space.Two words: Fight ClubA space related forum theme

4. Any other information we should consider with respect to your region's bid?1. We’ve been operating an offsite forum that has had 300,000 posts made since 2012. Our forums are active daily. Check out our forums here: http://w11.zetaboards.com/Allied_Republics/index/2. Our strongest regional assets are our self-confidence and self-loathing.3. Here’s a link to our finest regional literature: http://w11.zetaboards.com/Allied_Republics/topic/1...4. Please excuse the mess when you arrive; our latest drug-fueled orgy got a little out of hand.5. You can ask Europeians like Josh Ravenclaw: we’re awesome.6. Cactus sitting is a regional pastime, and everyone should feel free to join us at some point.[/spoiler][center][img=200x200]https://images.discordapp.net/.eJwVyFEOgyAMgOG7cADqilbwNgQJmikltMaHZXefS_6X7_-Yqx9mMZtqkwVg3SVxX60o91iyLczlyLHtYhOfEFVj2s5cVQCJaKQQ_AsRnfPT_F-zc48HCk8eR7jqu_JdbavFfH8JVCLp.G6Nmd-XzFgr8pMEZrkJrkNTEf4w?width=373&height=299[/img][small]Images from the Construction Site[/small][/center]

The Fifth Annual NationStates World Fair is set to be hosted by The Allied States! TAS won the right to host the fair after submitting a last-minute bid cobbled together at midnight by the Cabinet and Delgate. Upon learning that the region would host the bid, TAS Bid Director John Elwin remarked that the region "looks forward to hosting this and to make it the most calamitous fair yet."

The World Fair is scheduled to kick off on January 20. The region is currently working with the NSWF Committee to design the forums for the World Fair, which should be unveiled in the upcoming days. TAS's bid specifies that the Fair will be space-themed and the region is working on the forums with that in mind.

TAS hopes to see many regions, including this one, at the NationStates World Fair! Booths at the World Fair can be reserved here: https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=397374.

Gee golly we love those Texans, and this month they came to visit us!ParrrrTay

was encouraged to form a conga line, so Matilda Love grabbed hold of

The Federation of The United Republic States of Newland and Ace

Morrigan. Fleshia flopped sombreros on their heads and tacos in their

hands, then ran off to join the conga line behind Parkplace.

Thanks for your visit, we still have full tummies and fond memories!

[b][SIZE=6]Ministry of Internal Affairs[/SIZE][/b]

A thoughtful conversation brought to you from the Canadian RMB:[QUOTE=Religionous]After a one-year trip around the world that saw me visit 37 regions in 53 weeks, I have returned to the region!You can see the full list of regions in my dispatch.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Stormaen]Welcome home![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Religionous]Thanks!I

initially wanted the day of my return to be November 18 - one year to

the day that I left. Unfortunately, I have the memory of a goldfish :P[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Stormaen]Yup, I know that feeling. Where am I again?[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Almonaster]A goldfish somewhere is hunting for its memory.[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Stormaen]Maybe it just doesn't realise it's hunting for it?[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Almonaster]Well, it's just a goldfish, eh?[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Bilge Rat Ronnie]Idly curious. If you have the memory of a goldfish, does the goldfish now have your former memories?[/QUOTE][QUOTE= Religionous]No idea :P[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Auq] Maybe you should get on that, memory theft is no joke[/QUOTE][QUOTE= The Delicious Bacon of Canada]Indeed, a serious form of thoughtcrime.[/QUOTE]